HC Deb 25 May 1911 vol 26 cc414-7
Mr. BOLAND

asked whether any further steps have been taken to complete the purchase of the Colomb Estate, near Caherciveen?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

Until the Estates Commissioners have fully considered their inspector's report, they cannot say what further steps will be taken in reference to this estate.

Mr. BOLAND

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he could state what further progress, if any, had been made with the negotiations for the purchase of the estate of the late Major Mahony, at Dooks, county Kerry?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Congested Districts Board inform me that there is no change in the position as regards the negotiations for the purchase of this estate.

Mr. BOLAND

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not the agent of the estate has actually furnished particulars?

Mr. BIRRELL

I do not know; I will inquire.

Mr. BOLAND

asked whether the Trinity College authorities have now furnished the necessary documents in connection with the sale of their property in and around Caherciveen; and, if not, will steps be taken to bring about a speedy settlement of the terms of purchase?

Mr. BIRRELL

The necessary documents have not yet been furnished to the Congested Districts Board. Their preparation must take time, and until they are received a valuation of the estate cannot be made.

Mr. BOLAND

asked whether Mr. Myles O'Mahony has definitely declined to enter into negotiations with the Congested Districts Board for the sale of his estate in the parish of Tuogh, county Kerry; and, if not, will steps be taken to expedite the purchase of this small estate?

Mr. BIRRELL

No reply has yet been received by the Congested Districts Board in this case. A further communication has now been sent to the agent.

Mr. BOLAND

asked whether the maps and other information have been supplied in connection with the negotiations for the purchase of the Fuller estate, near Caherciveen; and, if not, will the necessary representations be made to the agent so as to secure expedition?

Mr. BIRRELL

A map and other documents were recently lodged with a view to obtaining the consent of the Congested Districts Board to a direct sale of this estate to the tenants. All the necessary particulars were not, however, furnished, and the agent has been asked to send the additional information required.

Mr. KILBRIDE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can say who was the person that supplied the schedule of tenants to the Estates Commissioners when it was proposed to sell the Latouche estate; did the schedule contain the names of the small tenants living at Inchaquire and neighbourhood; were the Estates Commissioners aware that these small tenants were excluded from the schedule; on what grounds did the Estates Commissioners exclude these small tenants from the benefits of the Land Purchase Act, 1903; and at what period of the negotiations did the Estates Commissioners become aware of their existence?

Mr. BIRRELL

This estate was sold by the owner direct to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, at prices agreed on between the parties. The owner lodged with the purchase agreements a schedule of tenancies in the prescribed form which included all the agricultural holdings on the estate. Prior to inspection the Estates Commissioners were informed that certain small tenants were not included in the sale. On inquiry they ascertained that these tenants were occupiers of houses with a few roods of land attached. The advances in these cases would have been limited to the value of the sites, irrespective of the value of the houses, which would have to be lodged in cash by the occupiers, who were not in a position to do so. No purchase agreements having been lodged in these cases, they were not included in the sale.

Mr. KILBRIDE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what ground was given for the statement that these small occupiers would not be able to pay the necessary cash?

Mr. BIRRELL

That is the information afforded to me. I have no personal knowledge.

Mr. FETHERSTONHAUGH

asked what action the Estates Commissioners propose to take with reference to the application of Thomas Scott to be reinstated in the holding on the Glenny estate, Finnard, near Newry, from which the late David Scott was evicted?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Estates Commissioners have received applications from Thomas Scott and his sisters, Margaret Scott and Mary Stewart, for reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by their father on the estate referred to and now in the occupation of another tenant. The Commissioners decided to take no action as regards the application of Thomas Scott, who was in Canada. They have noted the names of Margaret Scott and Mary Stewart for consideration in the allotment of untenanted land.